DirecTV Unplugs Video Game Channel G4

X-Play is on pause for DirecTV subscribers. The satellite TV provider has dropped video game-centric network G4 from its line-up today, with DirecTV saying it has "no plans" to bring back the cable channel for its 18 million US customers.

DirecTV said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly that rising costs are partially to blame for the provider dropping the network. It defended its decision to nix G4 by labelling it "among the lowest rated networks based on the latest Nielsen data", saying that it would prefer to carry content "more relevant to our larger customer base".

G4 is owned by Comcast, one of DirecTV's biggest competitors and the largest cable operator in the United States. Despite that seemingly comfortable position, G4 does not seem pleased based on its statement.

"We are very disappointed with DirecTV's decision to drop G4 as of November 1, 2010," reads the response from G4. "We have done everything in our power to reach a fair and equitable long-term extension with them to continue to carry our network. This is especially frustrating since our offer to them was the same basic deal that we've had with DirecTV for the past three years. However, DirecTV rejected this offer thereby denying their subscribers the only network dedicated to today's web-inspired, tech-savvy, gamer lifestyle."

G4 is best known for its video game and tech shows X-Play and Attack of the Show, as well as lifestyle stuff like Web Soup and Ninja Warrior. It's also pretty well known for running Cops. Lots and lots of Cops.

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Comments

Ryan Guest

Nov 2, 2010, 2:34pm

We were just recently talking about getting rid of this Directv junk...

I can see why they drop the channel. The channel had the lowest ratings, and most gamers usually get their info online, because it more informative than G4. The shows that didn't have anything too do with gaming suck as well. And people have in fact complain, but they kept them on anyways.